How to Cut Corn Tassels

Corn tassels are the reproductive organs of corn and grow out of the center of the plant on the top portion of the stalk. Each silk, able to be seen at the top of the cob, produces an individual corn kernel. This happens when pollen, produced by the male organ (the tassel), travels down the female part (the silks). This fertilization process produces the corn. Corn can self-fertilize, but sometimes this is not desired by the farmer. If the farmer does not want the corn to fertilize itself but wants it to be fertilized by nearby corn, he removes the tassels of some of the corn. The wind then carries pollen to the plant. This produces a hybrid corn.

Things You'll Need

• Corn

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wait until the middle of June or July to begin this process. At this point, the cob will not be formed, but the tassels should be exposed. The tassels, growing out of the center of the plant, are the male reproductive organs (or male flower) of the corn.

   • 2

     Grasp the bottom of the tassel and pull upward. If the tassel doesn't release from the top of the corn stalk, try twisting as you pull.

     If you would prefer to cut off the tassel, as opposed to pulling it, simply cut it at its base, with a sharp knife or gardening shears.

   • 3

     Dispose of the tassels.